The stomach is an organ that is sensitive to stress, diet and your overall lifestyle. An irritated stomach can manifest itself in pain, a feeling of heaviness, heartburn, bloating, nausea or vomiting. This is usually a temporary condition, but sometimes it can signal a more serious problem. That is why it is good to know both the causes of stomach irritation and ways to relieve it. We have prepared some useful advice and tips to help you calm your stomach.

In any case, if your problem is acute, it is better to call an ambulance right away. If your problems are milder but long-term, it is definitely advisable to consult your general practitioner or a gastroenterologist directly.

The most common causes of stomach irritation

Stomach discomfort can have many causes. These range from trivial ones, such as heavy food, to conditions that require professional care. It is important to consider the context and frequency of your symptoms. Short-term irritation is usually nothing serious, but as mentioned above, if it recurs or is very severe, it is advisable to see a doctor.

Possible causes of stomach problems:

• Unsuitable diet: foods that are too fatty, spicy, or difficult to digest.

• Overeating or irregular eating: overloading the stomach or prolonged fasting.

• Stress and psychological strain: the psyche has a major impact on the digestive tract.

• Infections and viruses: e.g., "stomach flu" or bacterial inflammation.

• Medications and alcohol: especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin) or excessive alcohol consumption irritate the stomach lining.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, or peptic ulcer disease: more serious conditions that may require consultation with a doctor.

• Hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy can also cause stomach irritation.

Proven ways to calm the stomach

If the symptoms are mild and temporary, there are several recommendations that can bring quick relief. These procedures are based on medical knowledge or long-term practice in clinical medicine.

• Light diet: boiled rice, potatoes, bananas, crackers, carrot soup. These foods do not burden digestion and, on the contrary, help to calm it.

• Hydration: plenty of water, or unsweetened weak black tea, herbal teas (chamomile, mint, fennel).

• Smaller, more frequent meals: the stomach is less overloaded and can digest food better.

• Rest: sometimes it is enough to lie down, avoid stress and physical exertion.

• Avoid irritating foods such as coffee, carbonated drinks, alcohol, spicy and fatty foods.

Folk remedies and natural aids for soothing the stomach

Folk medicine has many tips for soothing an irritated stomach, and although not all of them are backed by scientific studies, many of them can actually help. However, it is good to understand them as a supplement to a healthy lifestyle and not as a substitute for professional treatment.

• Ginger: helps with nausea and aids digestion. You can make ginger tea or try chewing very small pieces of fresh ginger root.

• Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.

• Mint tea and products containing mint, as mint relieves cramps and feelings of fullness.

• Caffeine-free teas.

• Sometimes, caffeine-free sparkling or sports drinks, ideally without added coloring (e.g., plain sparkling water, Sprite, 7-Up), can help if the stomach problem is caused by nausea. However, if the irritation is caused by overeating or flatulence, sparkling drinks can make the situation worse.

• A warm compress on the abdomen can relieve tension and ease pain.

• Lukewarm clear chicken soup.

• Diluted juice, ideally apple, cranberry, or cherry. However, avoid citrus juices.

• Baking soda (use with caution) is sometimes used to quickly neutralize stomach acidity, but it is not suitable for long-term use.

When to see a doctor with stomach problems

Occasional discomfort considering stomach is not unusual and usually goes away on its own. However, there are situations when you should not hesitate to consult a specialist. Early diagnosis can prevent more serious complications.

Warning signs that should prompt you to see a doctor:

• If the pain persists for more than a few days or worsens.

• If you are vomiting repeatedly and unable to keep fluids down.

• If your vomit contains blood or dark contents (such as coffee grounds).

• If you have black, tarry stools (a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract).

• If the pain is sudden, severe, and accompanied by fever.

 

An upset stomach usually has trivial causes, but it can be painful. The key is rest, diet, and plenty of fluids. Natural remedies such as ginger, mint, or chamomile can provide quick relief. However, if the symptoms recur or worsen, a medical examination is necessary to rule out more serious conditions such as gastritis, reflux, or stomach ulcers.

 

Sources:

https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/medical/upset-stomach/

https://health.unl.edu/4-home-remedies-upset-stomach-plus-6-things-avoid/

https://www.pilulka.cz/podrazdeny-zaludek-co-byste-meli-vedet

https://www.drmax.cz/zeptejte-se-lekarnika/jak-zklidnit-podrazdeny-zaludek